Inspiring Hopkinton Students: Marathon Champion Meb Keflezighi in Hopkinton

Michelle Murdock, Freelance Writer | March 2015

“Only you know what you can do; not only did I win, but I ran my fastest marathon ever.  If you work hard and believe in what you want to do, you’re going to achieve it.” – Meb Keflezighi

Boston and New York Marathon Champion and Olympic medalist Meb Keflezighi visited Hopkinton on March 18 stopping at both the middle and high school for an inspirational talk with students about his life from war torn East Africa as a child, to his journey to the United States and to winning the 2014 Boston Marathon.

At the middle school where Keflezighi made his first stop, his message to students tied in perfectly with the “26.2 Desire to Inspire” curriculum adopted last year that aims to provide a 21st Century learning experience inspired by the history of the marathon for students.  Keflezighi, the first American to win the Boston Marathon since 1983 and the oldest male at 38 years of age since 1931, talked about his goals when he came to Hopkinton last year to start the race.

“I came with three goals,” said Keflezighi. “To win, even though many people didn’t think I had a chance to win because I was 38 years old. I wanted to finish on the podium, plan B.  Third plan was to run a personal best.”

Keflezighi also talked to students about his career as a runner, saying his first time running was in his 7th grade physical education class at Roosevelt Junior High in San Diego in 1988 where he ran a 5:20 mile.   He spoke about some of his other achievements, but always came back to the dedication and discipline required to be a successful runner.

“Discipline; that’s how I won the Boston Marathon,” said Keflezighi.

During the question-and-answer period, students asked how he maintained the momentum to the run the last miles to win Boston and Keflezighi told them how he wrote the names of the four victims of the marathon bombing on his bib and just kept thinking about them as he ran. That, and the crowd.

“The crowd was amazing,” said Keflezighi.  “They just kept chanting USA, USA, USA!”

When asked how it felt to win, Keflezighi said, “It was my dream.”

At the high school, Keflezighi met with the track team bringing the same message, but this time to students more interested in running tips and advice for tackling the Boston Marathon course.

Keflezighi came as a guest, but left Hopkinton as an honorary citizen, presented with a proclamation from the Board of Selectmen by John Mosher who welcomed him to Hopkinton.

“Thank you so much for being here,” said Mosher. “I hope you understand how much your presence means. Last year was different. Last year was special.  An American who immigrated to the United States, an American who has faced potentially career ending adversity, yet stayed the course became the Champion of the Boston Marathon. Your heart and your victory speak to all of us, you represented all of us. Meb, you are our Champion, and I would like to present you this proclamation designating you as an Honorary Citizen of Hopkinton.”

Keflezighi responded by saying that Hopkinton was a small town, but one capable of big things.

“Without you, the Boston Marathon would not be possible; it’s the beginning that makes a difference,” said Keflezighi. “From the leaders to everyone here, that’s what you do. Everything is connected.”

Keflezighi’s visit to Hopkinton was arranged and facilitated by the 26.2 Foundation.

“Enormous thanks to everyone who made this event happen,” said 26.2 Foundation Chairman Michael Neece via social media after the event. “A special thanks must go to Tim Kilduff, 26.2 Foundation Executive Director, whose creativity and relationship with Meb made this unique opportunity a reality.”